Leicester City: Ademola Lookman vs Ayoze Perez

He’ll most likely operate on the right-side of Leicester City’s 4-2-3-1, replacing Ayoze Pérez. The improved output offensively will ultimately force his inclusion, and adding pace into the forward line will also optimise the ruthless nature the Foxes still possess in transitional attacks. But, can he subsidise the excellent off-the-ball and defensive acumen that the Spaniard offers that would make him an all-round a better option that the former Newcastle United winger?

Time will tell, although the data suggests that he’s not too far behind the defensive output of Pérez. When directly comparing the two, Lookman outscores him (on a per 90 basis) in the following metrics; tackles won, pressures success rate, and clearances. While the overall tackles, blocks, interceptions, and pressures are in Pérez’s favour. I would probably refer to Pérez as a “defensive winger” because of his prevalence in the aforementioned metrics, but does Rodgers prefer that to an increase in attacking output — I’m unsure. I’d also caveat this by stating the inverted movements of Leicester City’s current number 17 allow for the attacking full-backs to progress and impact the game in an attacking sense, whereas Lookman might occupy wider areas in the final stages, potentially negating these runs from depth. Another time will tell scenario.

I suppose that’s kind of my verdict with the overall transfer, time will tell. In all honesty, there was a couple of players that fitted the correct profile (left-footed right-winger) better than Lookman. Domenico Berardi of Sassuolo and Noni Madueke of PSV — both of whom would’ve been excellent additions. But, with only a short period of negotiations, successfully acquiring Lookman can only be seen as positive by the Foxes faithful. His numbers suggest he’ll be a creative force, with the likelihood of a few goals himself, and he’s adept enough defensively that he’ll probably start ahead of Ayoze Pérez.